Take me back to the convent

[rolanni]

Sigh. Last summer, while the renovations to the offices in the upper library were being done, we who have summer hours were relocated to a building newly acquired by the college for dorm space. This building is Not Exactly on Campus, though it's an easy walk up the hill, and had for many years served as a convent. It is sited pleasantly among ancient pine trees, and the building itself is old brick with hundred-inch-thick outside walls. Even on the hottest, most hectic days of last summer, the convent was an oasis of contemplative peace -- and coolth.

This summer, the renovations long being done, we remained in our usual offices in the library. The renovators, of course, did not install air conditioning as part of the renovations, and while this building is also old, and brick, it slumbers not within the cool embrace of elder trees, but stands tall atop the very highest point of a Significantly High Hill, the clock in its bell tower staring defiantly into the eyes of the sun.

The basement rooms, below grade, are cool. The inner sanctum of the library itself is...not cool, due to the unfortunate facts of several skylights and a multitude of large, south-facing windows. Up here in the attic, where there is no cross-ventilation, and where all the heat accumulated by the lower floors and the library proper, rises to tell stories and drink beer -- is hot.

Today, it is 75F/24C outside (which would be good, except for the 94% humidity level). Up here in the attic, my office boasts 79F/26C, with the window open and the fan running so as to spread the humidity around. In the hallway outside my office, where there are no windows and the lights are turned off, it is 82F/28C, damp and airless.

Yes, I know, this isn't bad, after Baltimore's mellow summertime weather, and I do after all have a window and a fan. But I can't help being a little annoyed that they couldn't have installed the duct-work for AC while they had the place all in a mess, anyway.

And, boy, do I miss the convent.

Comments

[spudsmom.livejournal.com]

As I sit reading the post, ironically, I succumb to the occasional shiver, all in black including my sweater, because black absorbs heat, I am regretting my daring choice of footwear, sandals, what was I thinking? Proper closed shoes and socks would have been much more comfortable, silly me. I saw a Cathy cartoon once in which popular summer fashions were depicted followed by Cathy and her office mates so attired, the joke being that along with their skimpy summer garments, they sported the latest in leggings and parkas inside the office. It seems to be a fairly universal theme the above post being the exception that proves it. I would not wish to change places, I can always wear a heavier sweater and add socks but there is only so much you can peel in an office environment. Did I mention I live in Florida? Sort of an insult and injury thing. I'm also a lizard or so they tell me but in all fairness when the cats start sleeping in the bathtub I do turn on the air conditioner at home. But now for the reason why I posted, probably the only opportunity I will ever have to say, and with all good will, "Get thee to a nunnery..."! Of course the rest of the quote doesn't really work here, "...Why wouldst thou be a breeder of sinners?" But what are the odds I'd get to use the whole thing anyway?

Fahrenheit 451

[(Anonymous)]

Don't know what kind of library you work in.. but if you got books in there then the heat can't be very good for said books. I suppose the Admins didn't consult with the Librarians when they drew up the plans for renovations..

Nathan

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

The mention of Baltimore reminded me of the trick someone taught me one summer. If you have windows that work for it, buy two box fans. Have one set to blow in, and one to blow out. The breeze between the two made sleep possible, even in August. Might work for you?

[(Anonymous)]

Maine should not have Baltimore Summer weather, even indoors in a building with unfortunate environmental conditions! (And it's even more unfortunate for archival materials than people...)